The information included in the census of 1745 and 1796 indicates that, perhaps, there is a generation missing between Pedro Orueta and Juan Bautista Orbeta.

Pedro Orueta was born in Gorliz, Bizkaia, o/a 1660.  He was a "Personalidad del Sindico Onacino from 1692 to 1694. The title Personality was given to persons who distinguished themselves by performing a significant act or accomplishment, and to those who because of their personal behavior and stature brought honor to their families and country.  It is not clear what Pedro did to deserve this honor.

The census of 1704 does not list any persons with the surname Orbeta, but it does show Pedro Orueta as the owner of a Manor House in Gorliz that later became part of what is known as the Caserio Orbeta.

There were two Orbetas living in Plencia in 1745, Juan and Francisco Orbeta.  One of them was, apparently, married to Maria Ibarra Saratxaga.

The census of 1796 shows Juan Antonio Orbeta as the owner of a new house in Barrenkalle Street; and Miguel Orbeta, as owner of two (?) houses in Artekalle Street.  Other Orbeta homeowners in the 1796 census were Josefa Orbeta, Francisca Orbeta, Tomasa Orbeta, Juan Antonio Orbeta and Manuel Orbeta who may have married Maria Iartua.

Andres Orueta y Barasorda was born in Bizkaia (Vizcaya), Spain, on February 20, 1652.  He was a Professor Emeritus at the University of Salamanca, where he taught theology after being ordained a priest.  In 1701 he became Bishop of the Monte Sacro in Granada, and shortly thereafter he was a Prosecutor (Fiscal) of the Spanish Inquisition.  From October 1708 to March 1716, the year of his death, he was Archbishop of the Cathedral of Valladolid, where he is interred.  Andres founded several charitable organizations and benefited the Seminary of San Nicolas in Bilbao. The city government of Bilbao designated him an  illustrious citizen  and named a Street Obispo Orueta in his honor.  His original Coat of Arms and other Heraldry are at the Cathedral of Valladolid, Spain.

Last modified:  25 October 2005